Queen Elizabeth calls for 'calm' in wake of Brexit

London, July 2: Queen Elizabeth on Saturday called for calm in the wake of the chaos triggered by the last week's historic referendum under which Britain voted out of the European Union and asked for quiet thinking and contemplation before deciding the next move, her first intervention on the Brexit vote.

The 90-year-old monarch was addressing the Scottish Parliament at its official opening against the backdrop of Scotland having voted overwhelmingly in favour of remain - 62 per cent against 38 per cent - triggering calls for a second referendum in Scotland for independence from the UK.

"Retaining the ability to stay calm and collected can at times be hard. As this parliament has successfully demonstrated over the years, one hallmark of leadership in such a fast-moving world is allowing sufficient room for which can enable deeper consideration of how challenges and opportunities can be best addressed," she said.

She said that there is "sufficient room for quiet thinking and contemplation" and a "deeper consideration of how challenges and opportunities can be best addressed".

The Queen told the Holyrood chamber that the world was "increasingly complex and demanding" and that developments can take place at "remarkable speed".

Scotland first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who has pledged to do all she can to maintain Scotland's place in the EU, spoke of the parliament's duty to "enhance and never diminish our place in the world", and said Scotland was determined to remain "open and inclusive".

She said: "Whether we have lived here for generations or are new Scots, from Europe, India, Pakistan, Africa and countries across the globe we are all of this and more. We are so much stronger for the diversity that shapes us."

"We are one Scotland and we are simply home to all of those who have chosen to live here, that is who and what we are," she added.

She added: "Today, as we celebrate this new beginning, let us look forward with hope and a shared determination to work tirelessly for the good of all of Scotland's people - and in doing so, to play our part in a stronger Europe and a better world."

The fifth term of the Scottish Parliament began after May's Holyrood, or Scottish Parliament, elections.

PTI